Shoreline changes interpreted from multi-temporal aerial photographs and high resolution satellite images: Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands

摘要: Abstract Wotje Atoll is located at 9°25′N and 170°04′E within the Republic of Marshall Islands in central Pacific Ocean. As on other atolls, islands perched along rim are low-lying considered highly vulnerable to impacts climate change. A widely anticipated impact continued sea level rise chronic erosion island shorelines. Using a combination aerial photographs satellite imagery shoreline changes assessed over 67-year period characterized by rising level. Results indicate that between 1945 2010 accretion more prevalent than erosion, with an average Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) + 1.74 m, indicating accretion. Shorelines were accretionary lagoon, ocean channel facing shorelines, as well elongate spits small islands. high-frequency assessment change subset east reveals stable, balance erosion. interpreted from high resolution captured 2004 2012 shorelines this sample largely erosive state. The post-2004 shift toward may be induced, or part unresolved oscillation. This study demonstrates critical need for improved monitoring atoll settings order assess